Sophie Cunningham, veteran forward for the Indiana Fever, has subtly turned up the pressure in recent days with a pointed message directed at coach Stephanie White.
The remark, made during an interview with media following one of the Fever’s late-season games, comes as Cunningham looks for greater offensive involvement in a squad led prominently by rookie phenom Caitlin Clark.
“Do I need to call Stephie White up? We got to get you the ball more,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham, sidelined earlier in the season with knee issues, has shown flashes of her scoring touch and energy in the limited minutes she’s played.
But according to the report, the veteran believes the Fever could capitalize more frequently with her in the mix–especially when matchups call for inside buckets, second-chance points, and perimeter spacing.
White has echoed in other interviews the belief that Indiana needs to balance its scoring load. With Clark drawing heavy defenses and media attention, the conversation now shifts: will White adjust the offense to lean more on Cunningham‘s inside scoring and experience, or continue riding the momentum of her younger star?
Pushing for role clarity amid changing roster dynamics
According to sources, Cunningham’s remark was semi-joking, but there’s seriousness beneath the humor.
She’s grown aware that the Fever‘s path to the postseason will depend on more than outside shooting–it needs interior toughness. That means rebounding, post play, and consistent physicality–areas where Cunningham excels.
Fans and analysts have picked up on the message. Some see it as an indication that Cunningham isn’t content being a supporting role; others interpret it as a perfectly reasonable request from a player who has invested years in the league. Either way, it’s created a buzz around what role she’ll play down the stretch.
For Stephanie White, the decision is coming with urgency. The Fever are fighting for playoff positioning, and every offensive option counts.
Will White respond by giving Cunningham more touches, or will the offense continue to circle around Clark 80-90% of the time? The answer may define Indiana’s ceiling this season.
Either way, this message from Cunningham isn’t going away–it’s being heard, and it deserves more than a passing response.
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